South Dakota to Tax Ostriches, Emus, and Rheas

Ostrich farmer in Arizona

(photo courtesy American Ostrich Association)

Ratite tax revolt ahead?

Head-scratcher of the morning: Senate Bill 44, proposed by the South Dakota Department of Revenue and Regulation, would repeal the exemption from sales tax on ostriches, emus, and rheas (but not their fellow ratites cassowaries and kiwis).

An ostrich tax doesn't sound like the solution to our problems... although it is rich in metaphorical value.

There must be a story behind this bill. Someone from DRR got spit on by an ostrich while auditing some exotic rancher? The Cattlemen's Association is trying to crowd out competition for beef from the ratite ranching industry? Someone from the emu lobby parked in Governor Rounds's spot? If you know the story, the comments section is open!